I'm probably doing things the hard way, but I slather on the CA pretty thick (multiple coats) with a plastic bag over my finger, spinning the pen slowly on the lathe. When it's cured, it's real bumpy and uneven, so I start at 220 grit, and sand it down flat (making sure not go through the CA). Once I have a nice even surface, I run through the MM grits to 12000, then buff with White Diamond. Done right, it looks like a thick, glass-smooth lacquer finish. I'll have to give the paper towel/lint-free cloth method and see if I like it better.
I did try some spray accellerant this afternoon, and man, it sure does make the CA set up quickly. (An Kevin, you're not kidding about the heat that's generated.)
It's still bumpy, but I can start the sanding process sooner afterwards.
I'm trying to get my pen stock built back up quickly. I loaned my display case full of pens to a friend to take to her office last week, and she brought the display case back about half empty (as well as about $400 for the missing pens). This coming week I plan to take the case into my office and see if I can repeat the process.
Thanks for the input, guys -